Contemplations

IN LOVE OR IN LUST (Based in part on I Corinthians 13, the love chapter) Love is patient, love is kind; It does not envy or boast. Lust can’t wait; to sin it is blind, The devil himself is its host. Love is never conceited or rude; It doesn’t think of self only. Lust is vain; its language is crude, And it preys upon the lonely. Love doesn’t keep a score of hurts-- Never a record of wrongs. Lust keeps a record every time it scores, And the list may be quite long. Love never gloats when another sins; It always delights in trust. Lust sins, then shamelessly gloats; Who can trust someone full of lust? Love can face anyone or thing, With faith, hope, and endurance. Lust is weak, but consider its source; Satan leaves no hope or assurance. Love will last forever, For rooted in God is true love. Lust is fleeting and shallow, And it comes from below, not above. Becky Wall

PASSIVE AGGRESSION: THE BUTT OF JOKES/TEASING "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." That old saying couldn't be further from the truth. There are so many ways that words can hurt, and they often hurt for a lifetime and shape a person's life in a negative way. The intent of the words makes a big difference. If the person is telling a joke or teasing at your expense, that's aggression without ever throwing a blow. Physical harm will usually heal within 10 days but the words that come with teasing hurt deep and long. Is a response of laughter that lasts less than a minute worth hurting someone for a lifetime? Another person who may be hurt just as long is the one doing the teasing. The laughter is often followed by guilt if the person doing the teasing is smart enough and caring enough to realize they have done harm to another person.